The Widows’ and Orphans’ Aid Association of the San Francisco Police Department held their monthly meeting at 1:00pm on May 9, 2017 at the Hall of Justice.
Roll Call: President John Centurioni, Secretary Mark McDonough, Treasurer Dean Taylor, Senior Trustee Ray Kane, and Trustees James O’Meara, and Al Luenow were present. Vice President Leroy Lindo, and Trustees John Keane and Sally Foster were excused.
Approval of the Minutes: Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to approve the minutes from our April meeting. Trustee Al Luenow seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Receiving Applications; Suspensions and Reinstatements: The WOAA received 3 new applications from the 247th Recruit Class. Mark Aiello, Nicolas Delgado, and Greg Foote applied for membership. Trustee Ray Kane made a motion to accept the new applicants as members. Trustee James O’Meara seconded the motion The motion passed without objection. There were no suspensions or reinstatements.
Communications and Bills: Treasurer Dean Taylor presented the regular monthly bills. Trustee Al Luenow made a motion to pay the monthly bills. Senior Trustee Ray Kane seconded the motion. The motion passed without objection.
Report of Visiting Committee: No report this month.
Report of Trustees: The WOAA sadly reports that the following six members have passed away:
Ed Dullea, age 72: Edward Broderick Dullea was born on December 28, 1944 in San Francisco, CA to his parents Edward F. Dullea and Adele Broderick Dullea. Ed was a proud native son of San Francisco and a graduate of St. Cecilia School, St Ignatius High School, and the University of San Francisco. After serving his country in the U.S. Army, he followed in the footsteps of his legendary grandfather, San Francisco Police Department Chief Charles W. Dullea and served with distinction in the S.F.P.D. for 31 years. Ed started as a Station Officer and then entered the S.F.P.D. on February 14, 1972. Ed was assigned to star #669. Ed worked the following assignments during his 31 year career: Ingleside Police Station (May 28, 1972), Mission Police Station (August 5, 1973), CSTF EOD (February 27, 1980), Potrero Police Station (August 4, 1990), and CPC Housing (October 9, 1993). Ed was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on July 20, 1992 and finished his career at the Property Control Section. Ed retired with a service pension on February 14, 2003. Ed was a highly decorated Police Officer. For services rendered on December 13, 1973 Ed observed an armed robbery while off duty. His information and observations led to the arrest of the suspect. Ed was awarded a Police Commission Commendation. For services rendered on January 11, 1980 Ed and partner Gabriel Harp investigated a rape of a young girl at Horace Mann Junior High School. Ed and Gabe developed information and located the suspect. Ed and Gabe arrested the suspect and subsequently linked the suspect to a murder at Mission High School. Ed and Gabe were award a Meritorious Conduct Award for their investigation and arrest. For services rendered on September 28, 1978 Ed and several other officers received a Silver Medal of Valor. Officers Kevin Callanan and Larry Murdock responded to the JJ Bar at 18th and Mission Streets on a call of a man with a gun. The Officers located the suspect who drew a handgun from his waistband and shot at Callanan point blank. Callanan and Murdock returned fire as the suspect fled from the bar. Sgt. Daniel Hallisy was present as a gun battle ensued. Hallisy was struck with a bullet but was able to direct several bystanders to safety during the gun battle. The running gun battle lasted for four blocks. The suspect, after a barrage of gun fire, was apprehended. Sgt. Dan Hallisy was awarded with a Gold Medal of Valor. For services rendered on March 26, 1980 Ed and his partner Mike Travis were awarded a Silver Medal of Valor. They were flagged down at Geary and Leavenworth Streets by an ambulance crew who reported a shooting and stated they had one female victim who was in serious condition. Ed and Mike had a description of the suspects and their vehicle. Ed and Mike located the armed suspects and another female sexual assault victim inside the van. Ed and Mike apprehended the armed suspects. For services rendered on April 28, 1980 Ed and his partner Mike Travis were awarded a Police Commission Commendation. Subsequent to a massive breakout of the county jail, Ed and Mike located two escapees at a room inside of 746 Geary Street at 1:55am. One suspect was hiding between a mattress and box spring and the suspects were armed. Ed was awarded a Police Commission Commendation on May 21, 1981 for disarming and arresting an armed robbery suspect. For services rendered on December 22, 1982 Officers Ed Dullea, William Herndon, Martin Dito, and Vince Vago were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor. The Officers on viewed a fire at 1809 Ellis Street. The Officers were alerted that children and occupants were trapped on an upper floor. The Officers responded inside the building, located the children and subsequently observed that the entrance and rear exit were engulfed with flames. The Officers led the occupants and children to the roof and broke a padlock to gain roof access. The Officers and children were lowered to safety by firefighters. For services rendered on May 14, 1985 Officers Ed Dullea and Mike Travis were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor for blowing off a pipe bomb at San Francisco State University. After blowing off the end cap, the Officers observed that the explosion ignited a fire and that there was smokeless powder leading the open end of the pipe. Fearing a dangerous bomb explosion the Officers acted quickly in separating the fuse and the powder rendering the bomb safe. For services rendered on September 16, 1985 Officers Ed Dullea, Reno Rapagnani, and William S. Taylor were awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for dissembling a bomb device at the Horowitz Family Education Center. The bomb was wrapped with an anti-Jewish message. The Officers, during a planned ceremony at the center, decided that transporting the device was too risky. The Officers, on their hands and knees, and risking their own lives, dissembled the bomb with their hands. For services rendered on May 16, through May 30, 1986 Ed Dullea and several other Officers received Police Commission Commendations for the successful decoy operation and arrest of multiple suspects at 555 Eddy Street. The operation resulted in many arrests of suspects who were preying on elderly occupants of the building. For services rendered on December 17, 1987, Sgt. Jim Hall, and Officers Ed Dullea, William Taylor, and Reno Rapagnani were called to render safe two attache cases/suspected bombs that were wired by remote control and could be detonated by the suspects at any time killing anyone near. The suspects were wanted for the shooting of two Boston Police Officers, one who died. Dullea and the other Officers needed four hours to defuse and render safe the bomb devices. For services rendered on December 9, 1988, Officers Ed Dullea, Jeremiah Morgan and Sergeant James Hall received a Police Commission Commendation. The Officers responded to Marina Greens and arrested a suspect who had placed bombs at three Wells Fargo Banks with a demand note for over three million dollars. The suspect also had a bomb strapped to his chest. The Officers rendered safe the bombs and arrested the suspect. For services rendered on April 30, 1990 Sgt. James Hall, Officers Ed Dullea and Mike Travis, and Inspector Robert Hulsey received a Silver Medal of Valor. The Officers responded to 1119 Powhattan Street where over 200 sticks of old unstable dynamite had been located inside a buried metal box. A large evacuation of residents ensued as the Officers carried each stick separately to individual sand piles. The dynamite was rendered safe. For services rendered during the month of January 1990, Officer Ed Dullea and several other Officers as part of a large Task Force received a Police Commission Commendation. The Task Force investigated several murders that had occurred in the Army Street Housing Projects. The efforts of the Task Force resulted in the arrest of five suspects, the confiscation of several firearms, the identification of several drug houses, and other related arrests connected to the operation. Ed, a devoted husband of 36 years to his wife Nana was a proud father of John, Jeff, and Angela Dullea, and cherished grandfather of Tyler and Jordan. Ed leaves behind his beloved brother Charles Dullea (Patti) and sister Mary Dullea, his nephew Sean (Karli) Mullane, and nieces Kelly Mullane and Jennifer Dullea, great grand-nephew Grant, Mother-in-law Aida McCauley and brother-in-law Rick Rodriguez. His parents preceded him in death. Ed was a man of humor who truly enjoyed life and was most likely to be found on the handball court at the Olympic Club, South End Rowing Club, and the San Mateo Elks Club, riding his motorcycle, tinkering with a classic car, or cheering for the SF Giants.
Robert Fitzer, age 66: Robert Allen Fitzer was born in Yokohama, Japan on August 20, 1950. 1949. Bob worked for the San Francisco Police Department as a Police Cadet before entering the S.F.P.D. on September 13, 1971. Bob was assigned to star #196 and worked the following assignments during his 37 year career: Richmond Police Station (from the Academy on December 5, 1971), Park Police Station (June 17, 1973), Crime Lab (December 12, 1979), Criminalist (July 20, 1980), E.E.O. (October 7, 1993) I.D. Bureau (January 17, 2003), E.E.O. (January 18, 2003), and to the I.D. Bureau (February 1, 2003). Bob was promoted to the rank of Sergeant on October 7, 1993, and retired on May 3, 2008. For services rendered on October 9, 1972, Officers Robert Fitzer, Joe Fitzpatrick, and James Boles received a Bronze Medal of Valor for the arrest of an armed suspect who had fired two shots at his wife, and then threatened to shoot the Officers. For services rendered on January 19, 1979 Officers Robert Fitzer, John Macaulay, Robert Barnes, Joseph Curtin Jr., Michael Kelly, and Earl Wismer received a Police Commission Commendation. The Officers assisted several members of the public to safety and assisted in the termination of a sniper who had fired several shots and mortally wounding one man.
Robert Hanssen, age 92: Robert J. Hanssen was born in San Francisco, California on January 23, 1925. Robert enlisted in the United States Navy in 1942 at the age of 17. Robert was a Hard-hat diver for the Navy and earned an honorable discharge after serving in battle. Robert was a locksmith prior to entering the San Francisco Police Department. Robert entered the S.F.P.D. on May 19, 1947 at the age of 21. Robert wore star #1329 and was assigned to Ingleside Police Station after two weeks in the Police Academy. Robert, who retired on disability after ten years of service, worked in the following assignments during his short career: Co .K Solo (February 1, 1948), Co. K APB (May 21, 1951). Southern Police Station (March 24, 1952), Ingleside Police Station (March 31, 1952), and finally to Co. K FP (September 9, 1957). On December 2, 1951 Robert received a Captain’s Commendations for his part in an arrest of a sex offender in a playground, and on October 2, 1952 for his actions in the rescue of a boy in a dog attack. Robert is survived by his wife and son.
William Leet, age 78: William R. Leet was born in San Franciso on August 22, 1938. Bill was a Cable Splicer until he joined the San Francisco Police Department on November 1, 1961. Bill entered the Police Academy and was assigned to star #760. Bill worked the following assignments during his 31 year career: Ingleside Police Station (April 9, 1962), Potrero Police Station (May 16, 1963), City Prison (February 27, 1967), Co. K (July 2, 1975), Park Police Station (July 1, 1976), Property Control Section (January 24, 1979), SSB File Section to Crime Prevention (May 28, 1980), Park Police Station (promoted to the rank of Sergeant July 16, 1980), Community Services (June 3, 1981), Park Police Station (August 30, 1981), Mission Police Station (May 19, 1982), Taraval Police Station (August 5, 1985), Property Control Section (April 26, 1987), and finished his career at Southern Police Station (October 3, 1987). Bill retired on October 2, 1992 with a service pension.
Jason Lynch, age 47: Jason T. Lynch was born September 22, 1969 in San Francisco. Jason attended St. Brendan’s Grammar School, St. Ignatius College Preparatory, and California State University at Chico where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Jason was a natural athlete on the field and eventually developed a passion for Rugby. Jason played Rugby for Cal State Chico and for the Golden Gate Rugby Club. Jason was also a lifelong fan and supporter of the San Francisco Giants, the Forty-Niners, and the Golden State Warriors. Jason began his career in law enforcement in 1992 as a member of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department. Jason entered the San Francisco Police Department on June 19, 1995 and was assigned to wear star #1987. Jason graduated from the San Francisco Police Academy in December of 1995 and worked the following assignments during his career: Bayview Police Station (December 2, 1995), Northern Police Station (April 20, 1996), Park Police Station (December 21, 1996), Northern Police Station (April 17, 1999), Burglary Detail (promoted to the rank of Q-50 Sergeant and transferred to Investigations August 25, 2007), Fraud Detail (September 22, 2007), Mission Police Station (promoted to rank of Q-60 Lieutenant and transferred on June 13, 2009), CIS (June 23, 2012), Mission Police Station (September 1, 2012), and finally to Northern Police Station (December 22, 2012). Jason tragically passed away on April 27, 2017 from complications from his recent surgery. Jason is survived by his devoted wife Monica, his loving children Sean and Ava and his beloved father Joseph (Carol). He will be deeply missed by his sister Kerry Kelleher (Billy), sister-in-law Cathy Dwyer (Gene), Terry Dorgund (Dermot), brother-in-law Mike McVeigh (Ailish), and by his aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. Jason was a gentle giant and a true friend to many. Jason loved his trips to Arnold with his family and friends.
Dave Seid, age 61: David Ming Seid was born on May 8, 1956 in Greenville, Mississippi. David passed away one day after his 61st birthday on May 9, 2017 from a rare form of lung cancer. David was the youngest of three children born to his parents Robert (deceased) and Mary. In the summer of 1967 the family moved to California. David graduated from Berkeley High School and subsequently attended the University of California at Berkeley. David entered the San Francisco Police Department on November 16, 1981 and was assigned to wear star #1367 but later switched to #1205. Shortly after joining the S.F.P.D., David volunteered his time working at the Police Activities League. While working at the PAL, Dave met his future wife Lynette Lee, the daughter of S.F.P.D. Sergeant Herbert Lee, David worked the following assignments during his 30 year career: Northern Police Station (March 14, 1982), Mission Police Station (March 4, 1983), Northern Police Station (January 11, 1984), Tactical (July 8, 1989), Special Investigations (February 16, 1991), SID (February 4, 1992), Bayview Police Station (October 30, 2004), Traffic (November 20, 2004), Airport (February 26, 2005, SID (June 18, 2005), Park Police Station (February 9, 2008), SID (March 8, 2008), Tactical (April 5, 2008), SID (February 17, 2009), and finally at CIU (November 28, 2009). Dave retired with a service pension after 30 years of service. David M. Seid is survived by his three daughters Andrea, Christa, and Jenna, and Lynette, the mother of their children, his mother Mary, his sisters Barbara Moon, Patricia Seid and Donna Seid and his brothers Robert and William Seid. He was preceded in death by his father Robert and his sister MaryAnn. Dave was an active golfer and world traveler during his retirement. He enjoyed traveling to Alaska for fishing trips. Dave Seid may be the most highly decorated Officer I have researched. Officers Dave Seid, George Lozano and other fellow Officers were awarded a Bronze medal of valor for services rendered on May 20, 1986 at 0140 hours at 1957th Street. The Officers had responded to a shooting to find a female face down in the building hallway and lying in a pool of blood. The Officers observed what appeared to be a bullet hole in the door to apartment #1. The Officers knocked and observed a man open the door. The suspect observed the Officers pointing their service revolvers. The suspect fled back into his apartment and closed the door. Officer Seid was assigned to the Specialist Team and subsequently exposed himself to the suspect by delivering tear gas through the apartment windows. The Tear Gas was not successful and Sgt. Gene Donaldson ordered a forced entry. Officer May forced open the apartment door with a battering ram as Officers subsequently entered the apartment. The suspect was on his bed with the firearm close to his reach. Officer George Stasko jumped on the suspect by using a flying tackle. The suspect violently resisted arrest but was eventually subdued and placed under arrest. Follow up investigation revealed that the suspect had fired his handgun several times inside of the apartment. Officers Dave Seid and George Lozano were awarded Bronze Medals of Valor for services rendered on February 4, 1985 at 0430 hours. Seid and Lozano saw smoke coming from a building on Friendship Way. Seid and Lozano were locked out causing Seid to climb a drain pipe to gain access to the second floor. Seid and Lozano carried out an elderly disoriented man and a handicapped amputee woman to safety outside. Officers Seid and Sherman Lee were awarded Police Commission Commendations for services rendered on June 23, 1989. Seid and Lee rescued a man who was threatening to jump off a four story ledge. Lee and Seid were able to pull the man safely off the ledge. Officer Seid along with other Northern Station Officers were awarded a Bronze Medal of Valor for their actions on October 17, 1989. Seid and the other Officers risked their lives to save a group of five people who were buried beneath the earthquake rubble. Power lines were down, gas was leaking and the structure was in danger of further collapse when the Officers dug out the victims by hand. There were no survivors. Officers Dave Seid and Jeremiah Morgan were awarded Gold Medals of Valor for their actions on February 16, 1990. Seid and Morgan were part of the arrest team when other Officers had trapped a suspect inside the building at 57 Taylor Street and who was wanted for several attempted murders. The suspect was trapped in a hallway and fired several shots at Seid and Morgan. Morgan returned fire as did Seid who struck the suspect with shotgun rounds. The suspect had reloaded his firearm twice during the gun battle. October 19, 1990 Officer Seid was awarded a Silver Medal of Valor for engaging returning fire after being fired upon by an armed barricaded suspect on 18th avenue. Officer Seid in 1991 was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for his actions in the arrest of suspect who committed an armed robbery and “take-over” at 743 Washington Street. Several Officers were involved including Tactical Command and Hostage Negotiators. In 1992 Officer Seid was awarded a Meritorious Conduct Award for his actions in the investigation and arrest of an armed suspect who committed eleven armed robberies in SanFrancisco. Seid and several Officers and Inspectors conducted a stake-out of the suspect and observed his commit another armed robbery. The suspect fled the scene and was tackled by Officer Seid who placed the suspect in custody. The armed suspect threw his firearm to the ground during the arrest. Officer Seid along with several Inspectors and fellow Officers was awarded a Meritorious Conduct Award for the investigation and arrest of several Columbian suspects who had committed jewelry heists that resulted in the loss of millions of dollars. In 1995 Officer Seid and several other Officers and Inspectors were awarded a Police Commission Commendation for the investigation and arrest of multiple serial robbers who had committed three robberies of Asian restaurants. Officer Seid was awarded a Police Commission Commendation for his actions in the investigation and arrest of suspects who had committed several “take over” robberies from March through December of 1994. Officer Seid was awarded a Police Commission Commendation in 1995 for his actions in an investigation and arrest of suspects in a gambling operation on the 400 block of Ellis Street Officer. Seid, in 1996 along with other Officers was awarded a life-saving award for the rendering aid on a gun-shot victim. On June 29, 2004, Officer Seid was awarded a Gold Medal of Valor for his actions in the arrest of a homicide suspect. Inspector’s Tom Walsh and Tony Casillas obtained information regarding a homicide suspect who stated he would not be taken alive. The suspect was located in the Ingleside Police District and rammed the cars of Inspectors Mark Gamble and Jimmy Lewis. TIU (Tactical Investigations Unit), SID (Special Investigations Unit), and CPC (Crime Prevention Company) were involved in this incident. The suspect, after ramming the two police cars, fled the scene in his SUV to avoid arrest and struck several parked cars. Inspectors Gamble, Alves, Morrow, Newland, and Seid were assigned to SID. Lieutenants John Joseph Garrity and John Bisordi and Officers Kumli, Noble, and Christ were assigned to CPC. Inspectors Newland, Alves, Morrow, and Seid boxed the suspect vehicle during the chase with Seid positioned in front of the suspect vehicle. Seid slowed down forcing the suspect vehicle to slow to a stop. The suspect fired a round from his handgun through Alves’ car window. A gun battle ensued between the officers and the suspect. Inspector Seid remained in his vehicle directly in front of the suspect’s vehicle and thereby not allowing the suspect to drive away. Inspector Seid risked his life by remaining in his vehicle. The suspect fired his handgun several times at Seid. Seid’s vehicle was hit with several bullets from the suspect’s handgun. Officers Trail, Simone, and Burke were also involved in this incident. The suspect was eventually placed in custody after he proned himself on the ground, but not before he pointed his gun at more officers. The Officers ceased fire after the suspect ceased all movement. Inspector Seid was awarded a Police Commission Commendation with several fellow Inspectors for his actions in the arrest of wanted suspects who had committed 21 bank robberies from 2008 to 2010. Some of the robberies were “take over” robberies with hostages.
Report of Special Committee: No report this month.
Unfinished Business: The WOAA Constitution and By-Laws re-write has a new change to the proposal that will be mailed to all members for a vote to ratify. Trustee James O’Meara made a motion that was seconded by Trustee Al Luenow to approve the following: Each year members shall pay their dues within 90 days of January 1st. Failure to pay the dues in this time frame is subject to WOAA membership suspension. Failure to pay the dues in a 180 day period will be subject to being dropped from our roll. This replaces the 6 month suspension time frame, and one year for being dropped. This measure will only be in effect if it passes the vote of our membership.
New Business:
Good of the Order: No report this month.
Adjournment: President Centurioni led the WOAA Board in a moment of silence for our fallen members. President Centurioni scheduled our next monthly meeting for Tuesday June 13, 2017 at the Hall of Justice. The meeting will be held in room #150 at 1pm.
To All: Please visit our website at sfwidowsandorphans.org. Beneficiary forms can be accessed on our website by clicking on RESOURCES on our face page. New beneficiary changes require a signature from a Notary, or by a Board Member. Please use the beneficiary forms for any address or contact number changes. Address and/or contact number changes do not require a signature from a Notary or Board Member. We wish to express our gratitude and thanks to the following people who assist us each month: Retired S.F.P.D. Captain and current POA Defense Administrator, David Ng of Personnel, Sgt. Rachael Kilshaw and Risa Tom in the office of the Police Commissioner, Ray Shine editor of the POA Journal, Retired Lieutenant Rene Laprevotte of the Gold Country Reaper website, and the entire Traffic Solo Command and Officers who bestow their gracious generosity each month by providing us with a location for monthly meetings and space for our files.